12 things to do in Michigan in June

Kids are getting out of school, boats are filling our waterways, blue skies are becoming a common occurrence again. Let’s get out there and enjoy the summer we’ve been waiting for, starting with our 12 things to do in Michigan in June.

June 6-7 Old Town Saginaw Art Fair – Saginaw

Set on the historic riverfront, which is the site of the state’s very first art fair, attendees will be surrounded by beautiful historic architecture, popular local businesses, and colorful murals. This juried fine arts fair gives established and aspiring artists the opportunity to show their work. While in town, check out the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum and the serene Japanese Cultural Center.

June 6-8 Gizzard Fest – Potterville

As food fests go, this has to be one of the more unusual. It is in fact a celebration of gizzards, but also a whole lot more. You can enjoy live music and even take line dancing lessons. If you’re sports-minded then enter the softball or cornhole tournaments. For the less athletic-minded competitor, there is a gizzard eating contest. Kids will love the carnival rides, parade, and fireworks. Of course no visit to Potterville would be complete without a stop at Joe’s Gizzard City, an iconic local eatery since 1960.

June 6-9 Bavarian Festival – Frankenmuth

What started out as a marketing idea for a landlocked little town, has grown into one of the state’s largest tourist destinations. Embracing the Bavarian heritage of its earliest residents with food and décor, has truly put Frankenmuth on the map. There may be no better time to visit, than this annual event. Highlights include the raising of the Maypole on Thursday and the Friday Night Street Party with bands, beverages, games and a zip line. Saturday’s fun includes the Kindertag Parade and the Morning Rotary Duck Race. On Sunday, the tents close so that everyone can enjoy the big parade. Of course, the entire weekend is filled with Bavarian food, beverages, music, and dance. Admission is just $10 per person for the entire weekend, and kids 12 and under are free.

June 7-9 Alpena Flower Festival – Alpena

Head to the Sunrise Coast for this relatively new, but colorful event. For the second straight year, flowers will take over Downtown Alpena, and the selfie opportunities will be plentiful. Floral experts will bedeck the town with stunning, and wonderfully aromatic displays. You’ll also find painting demonstrations by local artists, free crafts for kids, live music, poetry readings, and even themed cocktails for the adults. While in the area, be sure to take in a sunrise stroll along Lake Huron, shop for creative works at Art in the Loft, and pop by Austin Brothers Beer Co. for a cold one.

June 7-16 Lilac Festival – Mackinac Island

It’s hard to believe, but the Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival has been celebrated for over 3 quarters of a century! Did you know this is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island? It includes, a Lilac Queen coronation, official poster reveal, a 10K, lilac walking tours, lilac planting seminars, bounce houses, a Michigan Cornhole tournament, live music, the Grand Parade, and of course all the delights of lilacs in bloom. While downstate, they bloom sooner, in mid-June, lilacs are abundant all over Mackinac Island. The biggest concentration is in Marquette Park. Some of the oldest lilacs are in front of Harbour View Inn. Also, be sure to check out the twisted lilac trunks along the boardwalk from Windermere Point to Mackinac Island Public School.

June 8 Art, Beer and Wine Festival – Jackson

This annual Jackson tradition has become a favorite Saturday of the summer for locals and visitors alike. It showcases many of Michigan’s best wineries, breweries, cider mills and artists. Guests can savor a tasty line-up from food vendors and trucks, enjoy live music throughout the grounds, explore this unique museum, and even meet and buy from talented Michigan artists. Be sure to relax for a bit in the historic Hillside Farm Lane courtyard while there, and travel into downtown to stroll among the many magnificent murals.

June 8 Lansing Beerfest – Lansing

If you haven’t explored REO Town in Lansing, then this is a great day to do it. The outdoor beer festival will feature 30+ Michigan Breweries, and feature some of our state’s great ciders and spirits too. Like most great sipping celebrations. it will also offer live music and food trucks. Plus, you can wander through this cool, artsy part of our state’s capital. Shop for vinyl at The Record Lounge. Discover talented local artist through UnHinged Artz. Stroll, sip, savor, and shop your Saturday away.

June 14-15 Great Lakes Rodeo – Gwinn

We may not have as many cowboys and cowgirls as other states, but we sure do have some competitive ones. You can see them in action during this exciting weekend. Treat dad for Father’s Day, or bring a crew with you. Watching these experts try to ride a bull or bucking horse will get your adrenaline flowing for sure. Rodeo clowns will be on hand for laughs, and occasionally some necessary distractions. Camping on the grounds is available. While in the area, head about a half hour north and enjoy some frivolity and frosty beverages in Marquette at Black Rocks Brewery or Barrel + Beam.

June 21-22 Pinconning Cheesetown Festival – Pinconning

There’s nothing cheesy about a town that has a dairy product named after it! In 1915, Daniel Horn developed a new Colby-like cheese on his farm at the northeast corner of  Mount Forest and Mackinaw Roads. Today, you can still buy it, and that seems reason alone to have a fest to celebrate. Games and races help attendees work off all that cheese! There’s also a Mac ‘n’ Cheese cookoff, craft show, parade, and fireworks to enjoy. Most important of all, be sure to stock up on locally-made goodness while traversing Michigan’s cheesiest trail.

June 22 Porch Fest – Port Austin

This is the kind of event that just might make you feel like you’ve gone down south for the day. Well over thirty musical acts scatter about town playing a wide range of genres. Pack up your lawn chairs or picnic blanket and get ready for some great summer fun. Be sure to visit the Farmers Market between 9am-1pm as well. For an incredible farm to table dining experience while in the area, visit the aptly-named Farm Restaurant. If you want a little exercise and adventure with your excursion, come into town early and kayak to Turnip Rock.

June 24 Ford Fireworks – Detroit

Giant firework shows are too special to only happen on the 4th of July, and that’s just one of the things that makes Detroit’s celebration so unique. It also honors the deep friendship between Canada and the United States. Plus, you get to see them go up over the Detroit River, creating a spectacular sight. There are many places from which to view the show, and there will be some road closures, so plan accordingly for how to get to your favorite spot. For an extra special experience, and to take part in a fundraiser for the Detroit Parade company, consider attending the rooftop party. The ticketed event features delicious food from Andiamo, a great selection of drinks, interactive games for kids and live entertainment by Your Generation In Concert. You will also be a part of the LIVE WDIV-Local 4 television broadcast and radio pre-broadcast with Paul W. Smith on WJR 760. For ticket availability email cbarbb@theparade.org.

June 28-30 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest – Howell

There’s nothing quite like a sky filled with giant, colorful balloons. In Howell, that sight has become a tradition at the end of every June. Weather permitting, dozens of pilots will fly into the launch site on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 6-8am.The balloons launch between 6-8pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In between flights, there will be carnival rides, an open air market, Ben the Lego Man, family comedy, and tons of other activities for your whole crew to enjoy.

Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations. Tweet @BuyMichiganNow or tag us in a picture on Instagram of Facebook when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in June. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page regularly.